title: A systematic review of the evidence for complementary and alternative medicine in infertility.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients and physicians has increased markedly in recent years. Many case reports, case series, and uncontrolled trials of varying quality have been completed; however, there is now a slowly increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the use of CAM.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify, survey, and review RCTs investigating the use of CAM for infertility treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were electronically searched.
  
  
  METHODS
  RCTs examining modalities for treatment or improvement of health status were reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  RCTs were included based on use of objective measures, articles written in English, availability through the University of Michigan database, and clear published clinical outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-seven articles assessing a variety of CAM modalities met inclusion criteria. Acupuncture, selenium supplementation, weight loss, and psychotherapeutic intervention had 3 or more studies demonstrating beneficial effect. Other interventions had been studied less and evidence for them was limited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there is preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of some CAM interventions among infertile patients, many of these interventions require further investigation before they can be considered for routine clinical use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. naclark@med.umich.edu
authors.forename: Natalie A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Will
authors.forename: Molly B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Moravek
authors.forename: Senait
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fisseha
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000628:therapy*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D012643:Selenium
keywords: Acupuncture; Complementary and alternative medicine; Herbs; Infertility; Nutrition; Psychotherapy; Supplements